Sunday, January 30, 2011

Dolphin Remodel--The Reveal!

New cork floor and birch built-ins

Wow, what a difference a day makes, as the old song says. I have been on pins and needles, waiting to get my Toyota Dolphin back from the carpenter. It is finally (nearly) finished and I was able to take it home for overnight visitation before it goes to the mechanic tomorrow. Now instead of being on pins and needles, I'm walking on air. I spent most of today in the Dolphin, measuring and cutting and putting up Contac paper and all that happy stuff.

On the left is a picture of the dinette area, without the table in place. There is a little storage under the seats. The table will drop down to convert the seating area into an extra bed for when I have a friend or family member visiting me. I re-used the five-inch foam that used to be in the cabover sleeping area to cut cushions for the seats, and I will be covering those over the next few days. I found a really great tropical print!




The picture on the right shows the new workbench with an open area beneath it for storage. This is where I will put some Rubbermaid bins that contain my eBay inventory, shipping supplies, art supplies, etc. I'll install a cargo net to keep the Rubbermaid bins from moving around while I'm driving. I'm also going to make some curtains to replace the saggy old blinds.

I've purchased a couple of folding stools to use at this big counter. I used it today for the first time and it was great--perfect height.




This picture is a close-up of the birch wood and fir trim that Eric used for the built-ins. It's nice! Later this week, after the mechanic is done with whatever needs fixing, Eric is going to give the woodwork one more protective coat, install the table, and take care of any punchlist type items. Then my motorhome should be ready to rodeo!









I have only had the Guppy back in my possession for today, so I haven't gotten started on sewing the cushion covers or curtains yet, but I'm sure looking forward to it! In the meantime, I did a bit of hippification of my sleeping quarters:


8 comments:

  1. wow! i really love it, especially the hippification! you must be so excited! definitely worth waiting for!

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  2. Looks really nice. Your lucky to have found such a great wood worker.

    Travel Safe
    Dawn & Denise

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  3. He did an excellent job and it is very well layed out! I noticed you had the same problem with yours that I had up under the front window in the loft. It is hard to tell from the pic, but if that is black mold, it would be really good to get it out of there, especially with you sleeping there. If nothing else, maybe some vinegar to kill it and something to brushed over it all to seal it would be wise. I ended up pulling all of the bad wood out and replacing it, but I am sure your carpenter would have done that if it was as bad. Your flooring looks great and the birch is really sweet! Should make a great home for you! I know I loved mine when I had it :)

    -Mike
    97 Roadtrek 170P "Taj Ma Trek"
    HTTP:WWW.VanTramps.Com

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  4. Yeah, I think it is mold...there was definitely some leaking from that window, which has since been taken out and reglazed and put back in. Eric's gonna have the Guppy back for a few days later this week, and I will ask him about replacing that piece of wood. It looks like an easy job. Thanks, Mike!

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  5. You are welcome! I love that you are taking the time to make it the way you want it and doing it right! I have seen some pretty hokey fixes over the years, your's is anything but. Very nice work! I am sure at some point in the future, we will have chance to meet up at a gathering or on the road. I know Heidi and I would enjoy meeting you and seeing the Guppy in person.(love the name!)

    -Mike
    97 Roadtrek 170P "Taj Ma Trek"
    HTTP:WWW.VanTramps.Com

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  6. looks good, the wood looks nice -:) love the hippy window hanging!

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  7. I like the work that has been done very much, since Mike brought up the front window issue I'll refrain. :) Congrats on getting it done the way you want. My brother used to own a Dolphin and loved it!

    Safe Travels,
    Erik

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